WeKnow Group launches Heathrow-based electric chauffeur service with Jaguar I-Pace fleet

WeKnow Group is launching one of the UK’s most ambitious zero-emissions chauffeur services with a fleet of up to 200 Jaguar I-Pace electric cars, operating from Heathrow Airport.

The zero emissions chauffeur service will begin running in summer 2018 with the delivery of 50 I-Paces, with the option to add a further 150.

WeKnow Group chief executive Peter Buchanan said: “This is a significant step change in our successful, decades-long relationship with Heathrow where we operate arrivals desks in all terminals, to assist thousands of travellers every year.”

The deal makes WeKnow Group the largest Jaguar chauffeur fleet in the UK. Through its subsidiary Portfolio Cars, WeKnow Group operates around 100 XF and XJL models.

Emma Gilthorpe, executive director at Heathrow, said: “We are thrilled to be working with two British companies on this landmark initiative to support more sustainable transportation choices for our passengers. These Jaguar I-Paces are the latest in a long line of initiatives we are taking to ensure that expansion is not a choice between the economy and the environment – and that we can deliver benefits for both.”

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK managing director, said the I-Pace electric vehicle was practical for genuine everyday use, “including the tough life of an airport luxury chauffeur car”.

He added: “Through our partnership with Waymo and this latest deal with Heathrow and WeKnow Group, we’re excited to be bringing the electric future to more people than ever before.”

The Jaguar I-Pace uses a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery to deliver a range of 298 miles (WLTP cycle). On average a chauffeur vehicle drives around 114 miles per day, Jaguar says, allowing the I-Pace vehicles to easily complete a whole day’s driving on a single charge – even with passengers, in winter and with motorway driving. With the ability to charge at 100kWh, I-Pace can be recharged to 80% in just 40 minutes.

The £63,495 I-Pace is also already compliant with London’s January 2020 ‘zero emissions-capable’ requirements for private hire vehicles. Service intervals are set at two-years/ 21,000 miles – far longer than a traditional car – meaning less down time and reduced costs for operators. It also comes with an eight-year/ 100,000-mile battery warranty and three-year/ 62,000-mile whole vehicle warranty.